Abstract: A fuel emulsion has a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, at least one emulsifier and at least one oxygen-containing water soluble organic compound. In the fuel emulsion, water is present in an amount not greater than 15% by weight, and the emulsifier is selected from a product obtained by reacting (a1) a polyolefin oligomer functionalized with at least one group deriving from a dicarboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof, with (a2) a polyoxyalkylene comprising linear oxyalkylene units. In the fuel emulsion, the oxygen-containing water soluble organic compound is present in a predetermined amount so as to obtain an amount of water soluble organic oxygen of from 0.1 to 5% by weight. A considerable reduction of particulate emissions is obtained by using this fuel emulsion while maintaining or even further reducing the NOx level which is already reduced by the engine itself.

Abstract: Method for reducing emission of pollutants from an internal combustion engine including at least one combustion chamber. A fuel emulsion is injected into a combustion chamber; the fuel emulsion is ignited in the combustion chamber in the presence of air; and the internal combustion engine is operated so as to reduce peak combustion temperature in the combustion chamber. The fuel emulsion has a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, at least one emulsifier and at least one oxygen-containing water soluble organic compound. A considerable reduction of particulate emissions is obtained by using this fuel emulsion while maintaining or even further reducing the NOx level which is already reduced by the engine itself.

Abstract: A polymeric surfactant obtained by the reaction of: (i) a polyolefin oligomer functionalized with at least one group deriving from a dicarboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof; and (ii) a polyoxyalkylene of linear oxyalkylene units. The polyoxyalkylene is linked to a long-chain alkyl group optionally containing one or more ethylenic unsaturations. The polymeric surfactant may be utilized to stabilize a fuel of an emulsion between water and a liquid hydrocarbon. The fuel has high stability over time, without forming carbonaceous deposits which adhere to metal surfaces.

Abstract: Fuel for motor vehicles comprising an emulsion between water and a liquid hydrocarbon, and an anti-cavitation additive comprising a copolymer including 20-80% in moles, preferably 35-70% in moles, of units containing at least one carboxylic group and 80-20% in moles, preferably 65-30% in moles, of units deriving from at least one monomer having an ethylene unsaturation, and wherein at least 20% in moles of the carboxylic groups, preferably 30-90% in moles, is in the form of at least one derivative selected from carboxylate salt, ester, amide and imide.

Abstract: A polymeric surfactant obtained by the reaction of: (i) a polyolefin oligomer functionalized with at least one group deriving from a dicarboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof; and (ii) a polyoxyalkylene of linear oxyalkylene units. The polyoxyalkylene is linked to a long-chain alkyl group optionally containing one or more ethylenic unsaturations. The polymeric surfactant may be utilized to stabilize a fuel of an emulsion between water and a liquid hydrocarbon. The fuel has high stability over time, without forming carbonaceous deposits which adhere to metal surfaces.

Abstract: Fuel made from an emulsion between water and a liquid hydrocarbon and polymeric surfactant, used to stabilize the emulsion, obtainable by (a) reacting (i) at least one polyolefin oligomer functionalized with at least one group deriving from a dicarboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof; and (ii) at least one polyoxylalkylene having linear oxyalkylene units, the polyoxyalkylene being linked to a long-chain alkyl group optionally containing at least one ethylenic unsaturation; and (b) reacting the product of step (a) with (ii) at least one nitrogen compound selected from monoamines, polyamines and quaternary ammonium hydroxides. The fuel has high stability over time, without forming carbonaceous deposits adhering to metal surfaces.

Abstract: A fuel of an emulsion between water and a liquid hydrocarbon. The emulsion is stabilized by adding a polymeric surfactant obtainable by reaction between: (i) a polyolefin oligomer functionalized with at least one group deriving from a dicarboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof; and (ii) a polyoxyalkylene of linear oxyalkylene units. The polyoxyalkylene is linked to a long-chain alkyl group optionally containing one or more ethylenic unsaturations. The fuel has high stability over time, without forming carbonaceous deposits which adhere to metal surfaces.

Abstract: Method for reducing emission of pollutants from an internal combustion engine including at least one combustion chamber. A fuel emulsion is injected into a combustion chamber; the fuel emulsion is ignited in the combustion chamber in the presence of air; and the internal combustion engine is operated so as to reduce peak combustion temperature in the combustion chamber. The fuel emulsion has a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, at least one emulsifier and at least one oxygen-containing water soluble organic compound. A considerable reduction of particulate emissions is obtained by using this fuel emulsion while maintaining or even further reducing the NOx level which is already reduced by the engine itself.

Abstract: Fuel made from an emulsion between water and a liquid hydrocarbon and polymeric surfactant, used to stabilize the emulsion, obtainable by (a) reacting (i) at least one polyolefin oligomer functionalized with at least one group deriving from a dicarboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof; and (ii) at least one polyoxylalkylene having linear oxyalkylene units, the polyoxyalkylene being linked to a long-chain alkyl group optionally containing at least one ethylenic unsaturation; and (b) reacting the product of step (a) with (ii) at least one nitrogen compound selected from monoamines, polyamines and quaternary ammonium hydroxides. The fuel has high stability over time, without forming carbonaceous deposits adhering to metal surfaces.

Abstract: A static mixer (1)to emulsify water and/or other additives in gas oil comprises a hollow structure (2) within which two mixing units (23,27) are disposed, each comprising a first and a second mixing bodies (24, 25, 28, 29) each carrying a frusto-conical boundary surface (24a, 25a, 28a, 29a). The boundary surfaces (24a, 25a, 28a, 29a) are disposed mutually opposite in parallel and facing each other so as to define a narrow mixing gap (26, 30) of truncated conical form at which the mixture runs in a condition of substantially laminar flow and is submitted to shear forces causing emulsification. Also proposed is a process for producing a dispersion, which process can be carried out by said mixer (1).

Abstract: Fuel comprising an emulsion between water and a liquid hydrocarbon, said emulsion being stabilized by adding a polymeric surfactant obtainable by reaction between: (i) a polyolefin oligomer functionalized with at least one group deriving from a dicarboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof; and (ii) a polyoxyalkylene comprising linear oxyalkylene units, said polyoxyalkylene being linked to a long-chain alkyl group optionally containing one or more ethylenic unsaturations. The fuel has high stability over time, without forming carbonaceous deposits which adhere to metal surfaces.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism comprising a cover plate having a base portion joined to a skirt portion, a pressure plate and a diaphragm. The cover plate has a first shoulder which extends toward the base portion, while the pressure plate has, at its outer periphery, a second shoulder extending away from the base portion. The second shoulder is axially closer to the base portion than the first shoulder. A resilient compensating element is fitted between and in engagement with the first and second shoulders, and biases the pressure plate towards the base portion of the cover plate in such a way as to oppose the increase in the force of the diaphragm that may arise in operation.

Abstract: A diaphragm clutch mechanism comprises a cover provided on its internal periphery with fixing lugs for the diaphragm and retaining lugs disposed opposite holes in the diaphragm. The retaining lugs are at least partially bent to form flanges which extend towards the outside of the cover such that during rotation of the assembly, the flanges act as vanes which draw cooling air through the holes in the diaphragm and into the space inside the cover. The invention is particularly applicable to a clutch mechanism for a motor vehicle.